ESPN host Stephen A. Smith has criticized Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) for appearing in a "hype video" at the Republican National Committee's midterm convention to praise Republican Senator Dave McCormick (R-Pa.). Smith described the action as "spitting in the face of Democrats who elected you to office."
Fetterman, who has been a vocal critic of his own party, appeared virtually at the convention to express support for McCormick, who is not currently up for reelection. Fetterman stated he was appearing because "I'm a common-sense Democrat. I'm always going to stand with America. I'm always going to reject the extremes and socialism and that anti-American way of life."
Smith, speaking on News Nation's "The Chris Cuomo Project," disagreed with Fetterman's decision, calling it "extreme" and stating that Fetterman was "engaging in extremism himself by doing that." While Smith acknowledged that it is acceptable for a senator to vote with Republicans on occasion, he differentiated that from appearing in a hype video at a Republican convention.
"It’s another thing entirely to be a Democrat and be a part of a hype video at a Republican convention," Smith said. He also called for Fetterman to provide evidence of how his past support for then-President Trump benefited the people of Pennsylvania.
Smith further commented on Fetterman's appearance, comparing it to the actions of others who he felt showed excessive support for the former president. "I’m like, damn! Must you have to kiss his tush, time and time again, before you just say what you feel and speak to the issues? That is how John Fetterman came across tonight, showing himself on that video," Smith stated. He concluded by saying, "I don’t blame a Democrat alive for being alarmed by that. It just did not look good. You didn’t need to do that."
This appearance comes after a Wall Street Journal report alleged that Fetterman prioritized a Fox News interview over meeting with paralyzed veterans and skipped other constituent duties.